Despite the planned merger with the French TGV manufacturer Alstom , Siemens is once again presenting a new model from its ICE series.

According to a report by the Handelsblatt newspaper , the Velaro Novo , which will operate under the name ICE 3 (407 Series) at Deutsche Bahn, is expected to reach speeds of up to 360 km/h.

Thanks to its lightweight design, it should be around 15% lighter than its predecessor as well as using 30% less energy at a speed of 300 km/h. Siemens engineers also managed to increase the available space for passengers by 10%.

The development of the Velaro Novo began in back in 2013, with delivery scheduled for 2023. The company plans to present the train to the general public at InnoTrans in Berlin this September.

According to Siemens, more than 1,000 Velaro trains are currently in use, with the exception of Germany, Belgium, China, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Spain and Turkey.

Flexible vehicle to meet the highest requirements

The ICE 4 is setting new standards in intercity traffic. Together with Bombardier, Siemens has developed a unique concept that can be individually adapted to various requirements. The modular drive concept is based on independent power cars with identical traction technology for greater flexibility. Numerous reliable, redundant systems ensure maximum availability in operation.

The ICE 4 version for Deutsche Bahn marks a successful milestone on the path to future long-distance services. Various configuration options permit a variety of operational options. Usable floor space is optimally configured: In only seven cars, the ICE 4 can comfortably accommodate up to 456 seats in a 200 meter long train.

The individual steel-bodied cars have been lengthened to 28 meters, thereby reducing the number of intercar gangways, components, and bogies while increasing car capacity. The installation of fewer wearing components also reduces maintenance costs.

Innovative power car concept

The ICE 4’s drive is based on the power car concept. A power car combines an entire traction system in one car, including the transformer, traction converter, traction cooling unit, and four traction motors. The combination of power cars and unpowered cars guarantees extreme modularity and flexibility and more freedom in configuring trainsets.

All trainset configurations – from five to fourteen cars – are possible within certain framework conditions. This means that the train can be optimally adapted to specific transport tasks in terms of acceleration, speed, and passenger capacity. Even double traction is feasible, with two seven-part trainsets forming a 400-meter trainset as per TSI. Other configurations are also conceivable – for example, modifying the ratio of first-class to second-class seats.

Siemens AG